Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to an exercise apparatus comprising a resilient hoop, an inner perimeter surface of the hoop forming a circular opening while in a resting position. Coupled to the hoop at a first portion are a first grip and a second grip, each configured to accept one hand of a user, wherein the hoop is deformable to be elliptic when the first and second grips are supported inward from the first portion toward the center of the circular opening, while a second portion of the hoop rests against a user&#39;s body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various exercise machines targeting the abdominal muscles have been developed over the years. These machines range from full-body exercise equipment with abdominal target features to spot-exercise devices. Many abdominal machines tend to be relatively large or bulky, and not conducive for traveling or compact storage.

For example, a device known as the “Ab Coaster” (see https://www.abcoastersale.com/) is an apparatus on which a user may be positioned by the arms and knees, and then pull the upper body in an upward motion. This machine is relatively large and heavy, for stability when supporting a user. It is meant to be placed on the floor in a room, and may not be easily mobile. It is also not easily storable in small spaces, such as under a bed or in a closet.

Another abdominal exercise machine is the “Ab Roller” (see http://www.abroller.com/). This apparatus is more compact and built in a simpler manner than is the Ab Coaster. A user can lie on his back on the floor, with the Ab Roller behind his head. The apparatus has a cushion on which the user may rest his head, and bars extending out from either side of the head cushion on which the user may rest his elbows and around which his hands may grip. In conjunction with pulling the apparatus forward with his hands, the user may lift his upper body in an upward, forward direction. This apparatus is easily movable, for example, from one room in a house to another, but is nonetheless too bulky to be practical for travel. In addition, it may not be easily storable in certain spaces, such as a small bedroom or an individual office room.

From a manufacturing perspective, the exercise machines described above require parts and labor that translate accordingly to what may be considered a relatively high cost for the consumer. In addition, the use of multiple parts in the construction of the apparatus lends to a higher tendency for the parts to deteriorate by, for example, breakage or rust.

Hence, it is desirable to have a solution, without the above-described disadvantages, such as an abdominal exercise apparatus that is compact, lightweight, and simple to manufacture. As will be seen, the invention provides such a solution in an elegant manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an exercise apparatus with adjustable resistance.

FIGS. 2A, B and C illustrate a schematic diagram of use of the apparatus of FIG. 1 by a user.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another embodiment of a deflective exercise device.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of a deflective exercise device.

The other Figures are schematic diagrams of different configurations of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to an exercise device or apparatus having a resilient and deflectable member having a resting end an inner perimeter surface forming an opening, and a hand grip coupled to the resilient and deflectable member on another end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the resting end about the user's thighs. In normal operation, a user in a sitting position can hold the grip on one end of the device, and rest the other end on the upper thighs. The user can then lean forward and “crunch” down the abdomen muscles in a manner that deflects the device and gives resistance to the user's motion, simulating a sit-up exercise or what is known as a “crunch” exercise.

Other methods of accomplishing this motion is for a user to rest on the user's knees on a surface, and pull down on a cable or rope pulley system, or “crunch”, in a manner that provides a counter force against the resistance in an upward direction that is created by the cable or rope pulley system. This simulates a type of sit-up exercise, and allows a user to adjust position to focus on different muscles. Of course, this method requires elaborate and expensive exercise equipment that is typically not easily transportable. The invention, therefore, provides a device and method for enabling a user to perform crunch exercises, or simulate a type of sit-up exercise, in a comfortable, safe and very useful manner.

In one example, an exercise apparatus is provided that includes a resilient hoop-like member for the resilient member that includes an inner perimeter surface of the hoop forming a circular opening while in a resting position. In the example, coupled to the hoop at a first portion of the hoop are a first and second hand grip configured to accept one or two hands of a user, wherein the hoop is deformable to be elliptic when the first and second grips are supported inward from the first portion toward the center of the circular opening, while a second portion of the hoop rests against a user's body.

Those skilled in the exercise device art will understand that different shapes are possible that will be obvious in light of this disclosure. Hoop shaped devices may be formed in open or closed embodiments that may include, but are not limited to, hoops, polygons, straight segments, curved segments, or any logical combination thereof. They also may be formed in various shapes that enable useful crunch-like or sit-up like movements. For example, the handle portion of the device may be shaped in a comfortable ergonomic shape that helps a user grip and hold the device, while the rest of the device is substantially circular in shape to provide resistance.

In such embodiments, the resilient member may lie in a flat plane in a resting position, and may be able to deform in a substantially planar manner that provides even resistance, or uneven resistance if preferred, while a user is performing the crunch or sit-up type exercises. The user can sit in a chair or upright on the floor, position the device by gripping the hand grips and resting an opposite end on the legs or hip area, then lean and crunch forward in a manner that deflects the device to give resistance to the user. The resistance allows the user to flex the lower an upper abdomen muscles to resist the force of the resilient member.

In either shape, the invention provides a means of performing a crunch or sit-up like motion with a non-planar shape. In such an embodiment, the resilient member may or may not be formed in a closed figure such as a circle, polygon, or the like. It may be formed as a singular member that deflects in a manner to provide resistance to a user. Such a shape could deflect outward or inward with respect to the user, or away or toward the user, in a manner that gives a user the freedom to move in a desired motion or direction that provides the resistance from the device to allow for a desired exercise.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, coupled to the hoop at a first portion of the hoop is a grip configured to accept both hands of a user, wherein the hoop is deformable to be elliptic when the grip is supported inward from the first portion toward the center of the circular opening, while a second portion of the hoop rests against the user's body.

The invention provides for a compact, lightweight apparatus for exercising a person's abdominal muscles. As disclosed herein, a novel exercise device may be used by an individual, for example, in a sitting position. The user may place the device against his own body, and support the grip(s) downward while keeping his chest against the device , so as to exercise the abdominal muscles. The examples of embodiments below illustrate a hoop-like device that is configured according to the invention. However, the invention is not limited to this design or configuration, and those skilled in the art will understand that different shapes and configurations are possible given this disclosure. The invention, is only limed by the appended claims, their equivalents, and future claims supported by this disclosure and their equivalents.

An embodiment 100 of the exercise apparatus is shown in FIG. 1. Exercise apparatus 100 includes a resilient member, such as for example in this illustration, a hoop 102 formed of a resilient material. The hoop in this illustration and others in this specification is intended only as illustrative of one example of an embodiment of the invention, and the invention is not limited to a hoop or any other particular shape or configuration. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is directed to a device having a resilient member, and that many different configurations are possible, including those illustrated in the appended drawings and their equivalent. Also, the invention is only limited by the claims, their equivalents, future claims and also their equivalents, and are not limed by embodiments or examples illustrated or described herein.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the inner perimeter 104 surface of hoop 102 may form a circular opening while in a resting position, as shown in FIG. 1. A first grip 112 and a second grip 114 may be coupled to hoop 102 at a first portion 106 of the hoop. Grips 112/114 are each configured to accept one hand of a user. Hoop 102 may be deformable to be elliptic when grips 112/114 are supported inward from the first portion 106 toward the center of the circular opening, in direction 116, while a second portion 108 of the hoop rests against a user's body.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, a user 101 may, for example, use exercise apparatus 100 while in a seated position on a chair 103. User 101 may grasp grips 112/114 in a resting position as shown in FIG. 2A, and hold apparatus 100 with first portion 106 against his chest at contact position 107. Second portion 108 of apparatus 100 may rest against the user's body, for example, at the area of adjacency 105 between the waist and the hips. Preferably for the exercise movement shown in FIGS. 2A-B, area 105 may be centered horizontally at the user's waist center, and may be positioned vertically at, slightly above, or slightly below the waist. Such a motion is known as a “crunch” movement, which simulates a type of sit-up exercise for exercising the front abdomen muscles. While grasping apparatus 100 against his chest, user 101 may contract his abdominal muscles to bring grips 112/114 downward in direction 116, while maintaining first portion 106 at the same chest contact position 107, so that hoop 102 is deformed into an elliptical shape as shown in FIG. 2B. User 101 may contract his torso downward and/or forward so as to perform this movement.

FIG. 2C illustrates another exercise movement that may be performed with the apparatus 100. For example, the hoop apparatus 100 may be placed at an angle relative to the center of the user's torso, such as in the position shown in FIG. 2C. Portion 108 of hoop 102 may rest, for example, along the top of a single thigh. In the illustration of FIG. 2C, apparatus 100 is placed at the area of adjacency between the user's left thigh and waist. The user may hold grips 112/114 while slightly turned toward his left, and perform the same downward and/or forward motion as described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-B. This may exercise, for example the left-side oblique abdominal muscles. This exercise may be performed with apparatus 100 held at various positions with user turned to the left or right at various angles. The exercise motion performed within these various positions allows the user to exercise the oblique abdominals, by requiring the contraction of various off-center abdominal muscles.

A first grip 112 and a second grip 114 may be coupled to hoop 102 at a first portion 106 of the hoop. Grips 112/114 are each configured to accept one hand of a user. Hoop 102 may be deformable to be elliptic when grips 112/114 are supported inward from the first portion 106 toward the center of the circular opening, in direction 116, while a second portion 108 of the hoop rests against a user's body.

Novel exercise devices, including but not limited to, Hoop 102 of exercise apparatus 100, may be formed with one or more of various materials that are resilient, and thus able to return to its original resting shape subsequent to being temporarily deformed by, for example, a user's manual force. These materials may include, but are not limited to, fiberglass, resilient plastics, resins, rubbers, metal cables or springs, solid metal rings, stainless steel, alloys, composites, and other materials. Novel exercise devices, including but not limited to, Exercise apparatus 100, may optionally include a covering, over hoop 102 for example, to protect the unit and/or provide for user comfort.

As shown in the embodiment 100 of FIG. 1, the first portion 106, at which grips 112/114 are disposed, may be substantially opposite second portion 108, which may rest against the user's body, as described above in reference to FIGS. 2A-C. However, each of grips 112/114 may be disposed away from the center of portion 106. First grip 112 may be adjacent to second grip 114, or they may be situated with space between each other. In addition, the grips 112/114 may be formed independently of each other, or formed together as one structural piece of material, such as that shown in FIG. 1. Grips 112/114 may extend in toward the circular opening, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the grips may extend outward and away from the circular opening, as illustrated in several of the figures included herein.

Further, the grips may optionally include swivel mechanisms configured to allow the grips to swivel about the first portion of the hoop.

In an alternative embodiment of the exercise apparatus, wherein each of the first and second grips includes a resistance structure configured to increase resistance when the first and second grips are supported inward from the first end toward the center of the circular opening.

Each of the first and second grips may include a frictional grip surface or material, a cushioning material and/or protective component that enhances the user experience of the device, increases the device's usefulness, and protects and prolongs the useful life of the device.

A cushion may be disposed about the second or resting portion for comfort.

A stability component may extend outward from the center of the cushion and be configured to rest between two legs of a user. However, a device configured according to the invention may be configured to enable a user to rest the device on one leg, between two legs, on top of the thighs, about the hip area, about the groin area of a man or women, or otherwise disposed so as to enable a user to perform exercises by exerting force against the resilient member to exercise certain muscles. A support member may be disposed about the second portion, and the support member may extend away from the hoop.

The support member may include a vertical segment coupled at a first end, to the second portion of the hoop, and a horizontal segment may be coupled to the vertical segment at a second end of the vertical segment.

A cushion may be disposed about the first portion for comfort.

The exercise apparatuses disclosed herein may be formed using known processes, including plastic extrusion, assembly of component parts, and other methods. The invention is not limited to any particular method, and those skilled in the art will understand that such devices can be made using different available methods of manufacture.

Materials, dimensions, and other factors may vary according to a particular design or application, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to any particular material or design. In most cases, products will be desired that are inexpensive to manufacture, lightweight, possibly substantially flat for easy storage, possibly no moving parts, and made of materials that are comfortable to a user and that is not susceptible to corrosion or decay, and that does not easily wear in normal use.

FIG. 3A shows yet another embodiment if a deflective exercise device 300 that deflects from a single member. The device includes handles 302, 304 connected to a base 306 via a deflectable member 308. In use, referring to FIG. 3B, the member 308 may be deflected when used in a crunch position, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 2A or 2B, where resistance is provided to the user when the member is deflected down. FIG. 4B shows another embodiment where the deflective member 406 bends in a predetermined location, possibly the center as shown. The device includes handles 402, 404 connected to a base 408 via a deflectable member 406. FIG. 4B shows yet another embodiment with two deflective members 410, 412, which may be designed to deflect in various directions, or they may to deflect in random directions depending on use. Other designs are illustrated in the remaining figures, and the different design variations may include features and functions of the various designs illustrated without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Thus, provided are various embodiments of exercise devices generally designed for use in a deflective or compressive manner to provide a user with resistance to aid in muscle fitness. In one embodiment, an exercise apparatus includes a resilient and deflectable member having a resting end an inner perimeter surface forming an opening, and a grip coupled to the resilient and deflectable member on another end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the resting end about the user's thighs.

The first portion may be located substantially opposite the second portion. The first grip may be adjacent to the second grip. The first grip may be adjacent to the second grip, where the user can hold the grip on the outside of the loop. The resilient and deflectable member may be a closed shape and the grip may be located within the shape for a user to hold inside the closed shape when in use.

The resilient and deflectable member may be a closed shape and the grip may be located outside the shape for a user to hold the grips outside the closed shape when in use.

The resilient and deflectable member may be a closed loop shape and the grip may be located within the loop shape for a user to hold inside the closed shape when in use, and to allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member for exercise.

The first and second grip may be formed together. The first and second grips may extend into the embodiment of the novel exercise device.

Each of the first and second grips may include a swivel mechanism configured to allow the grips to swivel about the first portion of the novel exercise device.

Each of the first and second grips may include a resistance structure configured to increase resistance when the first and second grips are supported inward from the first end toward the center of the embodiment of the novel exercise device.

The exercise apparatus may include a covering over the novel exercise device

Each of the first and second grips may include a cushioning and/or protective component.

Each of the first and second grips may include a cushioning and/or protective component, including a foam rubber grip that protects unit, and may be easy to mold, waterproof and inexpensive.

The apparatus may include a cushion disposed about the second portion.

The apparatus may include a stability component extending outward from the embodiment of the novel exercise device and configured to rest between two legs of a user.

The apparatus may include a support member disposed about the second portion, the support member extending away from the novel exercise device.

The support member may include a vertical segment coupled at a first end, to the second portion of the novel exercise device, and a horizontal segment coupled to the vertical segment at a second end of the vertical segment.

The apparatus may include a cushion disposed about the first portion.

Another embodiment may include an exercise apparatus having a resilient novel exercise device, an inner perimeter surface of the device forming a opening while in a resting position; and a grip configured to accept both hands of a user, the grip being coupled to the device at a first portion of the device, wherein the device is deformable when the grip is supported inward from the first portion toward the center of the opening, while a second portion of the device rests against the user's body.

Another embodiment may include a device having a resilient and deflectable member having a resting end and an inner perimeter surface forming an opening; and a hand grip coupled to the resilient and deflectable member on an opposite end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member while holding the hand grip and resting the resting end about the user's hips or thighs.

Another embodiment may include an exercise device having a resilient and deflectable member having a resting end; and a hand grip coupled to the resilient and deflectable member on an opposite end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the resting end about the user's hips or thighs.

Another embodiment may include a resilient and deflectable member configured in a closed loop and having a resting end an inner perimeter surface forming an opening; and a grip coupled to the resilient and deflectable member within in the closed loop and on another end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the resting end about the user's thighs.

Thus, the invention provides a novel device configured to enable a user to perform exercises for a user's abdomen and other areas of the body. The invention is directed to a resilient and deflectable member having a resting end, and also a grip coupled to the resilient and deflectable member on another end. The device is configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the resting end about the leg or pelvic area. One embodiment has been illustrated a resilient and deflectable member configured in a closed loop and having a resting end an a resilient and deflectable member configured in a closed loop and having a resting end an inner perimeter surface forming an opening; and the device includes a grip coupled to the resilient and deflectable member within in the closed loop and on another end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the resting end about the user's thighs or hip area. In one embodiment illustrated, the device is in a hoop shape with an inner perimeter surface forming an opening. It also has a grip coupled to the resilient and deflectable member within in the closed loop and on another end. The device is configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the resting end of the loop device about the user's thighs

This has been illustrated in several embodiments that illustrate examples of applications of the invention in practical use situations. Although some of the above embodiments are described and illustrated in the context of waste collection, the scope of the invention extends to other applications where such functions are useful. Furthermore, while the foregoing description has been put forth with reference to particular embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that these are only illustrative of the invention and that changes may be made to those embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents, and also future claims and their equivalents. 

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a resilient and deflectable member having a resting end an inner perimeter surface forming an opening; and a grip coupled to the resilient and deflectable member on another end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the resting end about the user's thighs.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion is substantially opposite the second portion.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first grip is adjacent to the second grip.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first grip is adjacent to the second grip, where the user can hold the grip on the outside of the loop.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient and deflectable member is a closed shape and the grip is located within the shape for a user to hold inside the closed shape when in use.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient and deflectable member is a closed shape and the grip is located outside the shape for a user to hold the grips outside the closed shape when in use.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient and deflectable member is a closed loop shape and the grip is located within the loop shape for a user to hold inside the closed shape when in use, and to allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member for exercise.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second grip are formed together.
 9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second grips extend into the embodiment of the novel exercise device.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second grips includes a swivel mechanism configured to allow the grips to swivel about the first portion of the novel exercise device.
 11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second grips includes a resistance structure configured to increase resistance when the first and second grips are supported inward from the first end toward the center of the embodiment of the novel exercise device.
 12. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a covering over the novel exercise device
 13. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second grips includes a cushioning and/or protective component.
 14. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second grips includes a cushioning and/or protective component, including a foam rubber grip that protects unit, is easy to mold is waterproof and inexpensive.
 15. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a cushion disposed about the second portion.
 16. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a stability component extending outward from the embodiment of the novel exercise device and configured to rest between two legs of a user.
 17. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a support member disposed about the second portion, the support member extending away from the novel exercise device.
 18. The exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein the support member includes a vertical segment coupled at a first end, to the second portion of the novel exercise device , and a horizontal segment coupled to the vertical segment at a second end of the vertical segment.
 19. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a cushion disposed about the first portion.
 20. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a resilient novel exercise device , an inner perimeter surface of the device forming a opening while in a resting position; and a grip configured to accept both hands of a user, the grip being coupled to the device at a first portion of the device , wherein the device is deformable when the grip is supported inward from the first portion toward the center of the opening, while a second portion of the device rests against the user's body.
 21. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a resilient and deflectable member configured in a closed loop and having a resting end an inner perimeter surface forming an opening; and a grip coupled to the resilient and deflectable member within in the closed loop and on another end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the resting end about the user's thighs. 